Small Hostels: Small hostels, bunkhouses and bothies in Scotland, England and Wales

Would you like to stay in a small hostel where there will be only one or two other guests to chat to, or hire a small space in an amazing place all to yourself. Then our Small Hostels may be just the thing for you. All of these hostels sleep less than 10 and many only sleep 8, 6 or 4. We have small hostels across the countries of Scotland, England and Wales from Exmoor to Orkney. The small hostels on this page are equipped with comfortable bunk beds, hot showers and self catering kitchens. What make a small hostel different from a holiday cottage? Well you will most often be sleeping in bunks and if you book a bed, rather then sole use, you meet other people to share stories with. Small hostels are great for having the full hostel experience on a smaller scale!

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Small Hostels in Scotland, England and Wales

Cyclists and walkers love Bunkorama, cosy clean and comfortable accommodation with breathtaking views of Cader Idris and Cardigan Bay. Off Panorama Road near Barmouth, handy for Cycle Route 8, the Cambrian Way, the Mawddach Trail and the mountains, rivers and beaches of the Cambrian Coast.

Dacres Stable comfortably sleeps 8 in great value self-catering accommodation. A short drive from Kendal on the Eastern edge of the Lake District National Park, the farm is on a gated road remote from busy roads. A great base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, the Lakes and Eden Valley.

Shepherds Crook self catering accommodation sleeps 8 at the 17th Century Noran Bank Farm in Patterdale at the foot of Ullswater. With two bedrooms sleeping 2 and 6 the bunks are ideal for Coast to Coasters, walkers, cyclists and for family/friends get-togethers.

Set in the stunningly beautiful North West Highlands surrounded by lochs and mountains (including 22 munros) Forest Way Bunkhouse nestles between the Lael Forest Garden walks and the River Broom with an abundance of wildlife and delightful walks nearby.

Castle Creavie Hay Barn Hostel, near Kirkcudbright, is a 4 bed, comfortable family friendly hostel on a working farm in the spectacular Galloway countryside. Plenty of space, oak floors, comfy beds, kitchen and wood burning stove. The ideal base for walkers and cyclists on 7Stanes and NCN Route7.

Ross of Mull Bunkrooms are less than a mile from the ferry to Iona at Fionnphort, ideally situated for exploring the exciting wildlife, rich history, dramatic cliffs and white shell-sand beaches of Iona and the Ross of Mull. Part of a modern bunkhouse with well equipped kitchen, woodburner & stunning views.

Elens Castle Hotel Bunkroom, in Snowdonia National Park, offers budget accommodation in a hotel setting. The 4 bed en suite bunkroom can be booked by the bed or the room. Lacking a kitchen, bunkroom guests are invited to socialise and eat in the hotel.

Galson Farm Hostel on the Isle of Lewis enjoys stunning views of the Atlantic coast. Explore sandy beaches, wildlife, historic sites and culture on the doorstep. A short walk through the croft, with its network of footpaths, takes you to the shore and river, where otters are regular visitors.

Ayres Rock Hostel on the Orkney Isle of Sanday, is a 4* hostel with views over the Holms of Ire & Westray. With long stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches, an abundance of birds, seals and other wildlife, glittering seas, clear air and spectacular skies, Sanday is the perfect place to take time out.

Foxholes Castle Bunkhouse, Bishops Castle, is on a family-run campsite, with glorious views of Shropshire's beautiful hills. Just a few minutes' walk from the Shropshire Way, Offa's Dyke and the Sustrans cycle network. It is the perfect base for walkers, cyclists, photographers, families & couples.

Hamilton Backpackers on the Pembrokeshire Coast is just one minute's walk from the centre of the dynamic harbour town of Fishguard and close to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Comfortable and friendly self catering accommodation with a charming private garden, en suite double rooms and dormitories.

Rackwick Hostel, in the scenic Rackwick Valley in the north of Hoy, overlooks Rackwick Bay considered one of the most beautiful places in Orkney. Local wild flowers and bird life make this a must for naturalists. The North Hoy RSPB reserve, includes The Old Man of Hoy, a great place to see puffins.

The Wild Wool Barn, nestled in the peace of the Ennerdale Valley, overlooking Ennerdale Water, provides luxury bunkhouse accommodation for 6 (plus up to 4 camping) with a traditional wood-burning stove. Get away from it all and explore the rarely visited Western Lake District.

Womerton Farm Bunkhouse, All Stretton, Shropshire, sits right next to the Long Mynd in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. 3 miles from Church Stretton, 12 miles from Shrewsbury & 15 miles from Ludlow. Local attractions inc. Acton Scott Working Farm Museum, Stokesay Castle & Museum of Lost Content.

Maentwrog Bunkhouse, near Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia provides self catering accommodation with underfloor heating for up to 4 people. Hill walk from the farm or walk the Welsh coast path. White water rafting, Coed y Brenin, Ffestiniog railway and beautiful beaches are only a short drive away.

Coorie Doon Cabin is next to the road to the Isles, Caledonian Canal, Great Glen Way and close to the West Highland Way, Nevis Range and Glencoe Mountain Resort. This stylish cabin has a drying room, underfloor heating and sauna. Easy access to world-class hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking.

Perfect for the Pennine Way or C2C cycle route. In the lovely village of Garrigill, the bunkroom above the village hall has an equipped kitchen, showers, efficient drying room and covered cycle store. There is a pub in the village which serves food and a post office shop. In the North Pennines.

River Cabin is set in an old cider orchard next to Trericket Mill in Erwood near Builth Wells. Overlooking the mill stream with a sunny dining porch, patio and private garden with picnic table, fire pit and BBQ. The Cabin sleeps up to 4 in a cosy bunkroom and there is a small summer campsite.

Middle Ninfa Farm, on the edge of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site in the Brecon Beacons, offers bunkhouse & cottage accommodation, camping and hands-on training in coracle making. The bunkhouse is sympathetically renovated to retain the rustic charm with fine views over the Usk Valley.

Isle of Muck Bunkhouse overlooks the ferry at Port Mor, close to the islands tearoom, craft shop and community hall. The Isle of Muck is just 2 miles long and has a population of 38 people. With a rich cultural heritage and amazing wildlife, Muck is the perfect place to unwind.

Butter Hill Barn is a cosy National Trust bunkhouse in Countisbury close to Lynton and Lynmouth on the North Devon Coast. Surrounded by the dramatic Watersmeet Valleys and Exmoor, it is perfect for the South West Coastal Path and the Atlantic surf beaches. Great for families & small groups.

Small Hostels are perfect for those wanting to travel as a small group or family wanting somewhere affordable to stay. Whilst some of them are group only most offer accommodation to individuals prepared to share facilities with others. All of the small hostels sleep less than 10 with most sleeping 8, 6 or even as few as 4 people in total. There are small hostels in the Independent Hostel Guide across the country from Exmoor to the Shetlands and in England, Scotland and Wales.

Our small hostels may not sleep many but they are far from small when it comes to space both inside an out – with many having outside BBQ or firepit areas. As often quirky, always stunning, locations to stay where not so many people have trod the path before you they are second to none.

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Now in its 27th year the Independent Hostel Guide has grown with our network. The 2019 edition features 420 hostels and bunkhouses with photos, facts and details of how to book direct.